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WFP's SAFE Initiative in Liberia

WFP's SAFE Initiative in Liberia

Categories

Technology field of reference: cooking

Relevant sectors: Nutrition , environment , Health

Population type: Schools

Category of funders: Not Available

Project Description

In Liberia, where adoption of fuel-efficient stoves is limited, cooking can negatively affect the health, livelihoods and environment of vulnerable populations, especially women and children. In school canteens, the preparation of meals can be a long and unsafe process for cooks and students alike. Exposure to indoor air pollution poses major health risks for school cooks and children and is associated with higher mortality from respiratory diseases and cancer. In addition, traditional open fires are very inefficient, requiring up to multiple hours of cooking and great amounts of fuel that increase pressure on the surrounding environment. Currently in pilot phase, WFP-assisted schools in Liberia are transitioning to Home-Grown School Feeding, where the food to prepare school meals is procured from local farmers. This initiative will bring numerous benefits to local communities by enhancing the nutritional status of school children and supporting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Providing more sustainable and nutritious meals to students also requires fuel to cook. Addressing energy needs can both reduce costs for schools and provide a healthier environment for cooks and students. The activities will aim at improving the health conditions of school cooks and children by reducing their exposure to toxic emissions from cooking and the health risks associated with it. They will also allow for the faster and safer preparation of school meals, and are expected to raise awareness and reduce pressure on the environment. WFP Climate. Activities conducted under the SAFE programme inlcude: 1. Installation of locally-produced fuel-efficient institutional stoves in WFP-assisted schools 2. Training of school cooks on stove production, use and maintenance, as well as on fuel-efficient cooking practices. 3. Awareness-raising on environmental conservation and the benefits of fuel-efficient stoves Project locations: Nimba, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Sinoe, Maryland, Bomi, Grand Bassa, River Cess, Gbarpolu, River Gee.